Business Administration Apprentice – Level 3 Hours: 35 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (TTO, including 5 Teacher Training Days) Contract: 18-month fixed-term apprenticeship (with HOET) Start: March/April Salary: National Apprenticeship Wage Closing Date: Sunday 1 st February 2026 Interview Date: w/c 9 th February 2026 Are you looking to start your career in a supportive and welcoming school environment? We are seeking an enthusiastic, organised and committed Business Administration Apprentice to join our busy administration team at Castle Wood, a vibrant and inclusive primary special school for children aged 3–11. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working towards a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, supported by experienced colleagues and an external training provider. We Offer: An exciting training program to help develop your skills. A supportive mentor to guide you through your apprenticeship. The opportunity to work with fabulous, enthusiastic children. A welcoming and supportive school team. Opportunities to collaborate with experts from various disciplines. A Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Business Administration. Excellent work-life balance. Access to occupational health services, including counselling. Our Values Our vision, "Together, children first," reflects our belief that everyone plays a vital role in helping our pupils reach their full potential. Our values drive everything we do at Castle Wood. The school values are honesty, integrity, trust, empathy, and respect. What is the job role? Under the guidance of the People & Operations Lead, you will work as part of a friendly and professional team, providing efficient reception and administrative support to the school. You will be the first point of contact for visitors and callers and play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the school office, while maintaining confidentiality as necessary. Key responsibilities Reception and communication Welcoming visitors and ensuring safeguarding, security and health & safety procedures are followed Answering and directing telephone calls, taking messages where required Sending and receiving emails and text messages to parents Managing incoming and outgoing post and deliveries Administrative support Undertaking word processing, data input, photocopying, scanning and filing Supporting the production of newsletters, letters, registers and school documents Maintaining information boards within the school Assisting with stationery supplies and general office organisation Pupil records and data Maintaining accurate pupil records on the school management system (Bromcom) Supporting admissions, transitions and pupil attendance administration Producing reports and registers as required Assisting with statutory returns such as the Pupil Census School meals and finance support Recording pupil meal information, dietary requirements and free school meals Producing meal reports for catering and lunchtime staff Liaising with parents regarding dinner balances and supporting basic finance tasks Apprenticeship training During the 18-month apprenticeship, you will: Work towards a Level 3 Business Administration qualification Complete Functional Skills in English and Maths (if required) Attend training sessions and work with an assessor/mentor Build a work-based portfolio and complete assignments and assessments Apply your learning directly to your role in school Who are we looking for? We are looking for someone who: Is friendly, reliable and keen to learn Has good communication and organisational skills Can work well as part of a team Is comfortable using IT or willing to develop these skills Has a positive attitude and a professional approach This role would suit a school leaver, someone starting their career, or an individual looking to gain experience in education and administration. Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS, all relevant safeguarding and pre-employment clearances, and the receipt of two satisfactory references. Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.